1. Spend less than you earn.
2. If you're facing a pile of debts, make
minimum payments on all of the debts but
the one with the highest interest rate, then
make the biggest payment you can each
month on that high one.
3. Never expect that your "future self" or
anyone else will bail you out of your dumb
mistakes today and remember that only you
can make better choices for yourself.
4. The quickest way to financial recovery is
to get a grip on your spending impulses.
5. Life is going to hand you emergencies, so
keep at least $1,000 in your savings account
for those emergencies.
6. Be completely open with your spouse
about every single dime that comes in and
every single dime that you spend.
7. Buy items that will last for a very long time
at the best possible price and you'll rarely be
unhappy with them.
8. If your employer offers matching on your
401(k), take as much of it as you can get.
9. When you're deciding how to invest,
remember that past performance does not
indicate future returns and focus instead on
the fees and expenses.
10. If you have dependents who rely on you,
you ought to have life insurance, but ignore
any salesperson who tries to sell you
anything other than a term policy.
A final "bonus" life and career tip: treat every
single person in your life as you would like
to be treated, regardless of whether you're
in the workplace or in everyday life.
If you can handle all of these things, you're
going to be just fine.